Cortland Repertory Theatre Announces 48th Summer Season for 2019

Cortland Repertory Theatre, one of New York State’s longest running professional summer theatres, has announced their 48th annual season for the summer of 2019. All six mainstage shows will make their CRT debuts.

Starting off the season from June 5 – 15, CRT presents the THE LADY WITH ALL THE ANSWERS by David Rambo, with the cooperation of Margo Howard. This engaging and funny play is drawn from the life and letters of renowned advice columnist Ann Landers. For decades, Landers answered countless letters from lovelorn teens, confused couples and a multitude of others in need of advice. No topic was off-limits, from sibling rivalries to nude housekeeping to the proper way to hang toilet paper. Landers regaled her readers with direct, insightful and often humorously honest responses. Taking place late on a 1975 night in Landers’ Chicago apartment, with a looming deadline for a column, she must deal with a new kind of heartbreak: her own. This charming comedy creates a heartfelt reunion with a woman who might have been a stranger but seemed like family to thousands of readers.

“OMG, you guys!” Next from June 19 – July 6 comes the CRT premier production of the hit musical LEGALLY BLONDE. With a book by Heather Hach and music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin, this fast paced and high energy show is based on the novel by Amanda Brown, and the successful MGM movie. In it, uber-popular sorority sister Elle Woods is sure her boyfriend Warner Huntington III is ready to pop the question. Her life is turned upside down, however, when he dumps her for a more “serious” girlfriend and leaves for Harvard. Determined to get him back, she gives up the credit cards and picks up the law books. But Harvard, it turns out, is a pretty tough school. With the support of new friends, Elle begins to understand her own full potential and sets out to prove herself to the world. With catchy songs and a hysterical script, this much fun should be illegal.

Next from July 10 – 27 comes the international sensation MAMMA MIA! with a book by Catherine Johnson, and music and lyrics by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, from the music group ABBA. This vibrant musical is set against the gorgeous backdrop of the Greek Isles, where Donna is preparing for her young daughter Sophie’s wedding day. However, Sophie has discovered that her previously unknown father is one of three men from her mother’s free-spirited past. Secretly, she invites all three men to the wedding to figure out which is “The One”, throwing her mother into a tailspin. This enchanting musical about love, laughter and friendship is underscored by ABBA’s timeless songs including Dancing Queen, Super Trouper, Gimme Gimme Gimme, Take a Chance on Me, The Winner Takes It All and of course the title hit. Audiences will be dancing in the aisles!

From July 31 – August 10 comes the CRT premiere of the classic comedy BORN YESTERDAY by Garson Kanin. This sharp and snappy screwball comedy premiered in 1946 but is as fresh as today’s headlines. Harry Brock, a businessman with a crude way of talking and a huge but fragile ego arrives in Washington, convinced he can buy a senator or two. The monkey wrench in his schemes is Billie Dawn, his seemingly dim-witted ex-showgirl mistress. When Brock hires a reporter to tutor Billie to make her more acceptable to the Beltway crowd, she rapidly becomes a force to be reckoned with. This delicious comedy hilariously skewers Washington corruption and sings the praises an educated electorate.

“So I understand you wish to marry my wife.” Those mysterious words lead off the Tony Award winning thriller/comedy SLEUTH by Anthony Shaffer, which runs from August 14 – 24. The ultimate game of cat-and-mouse is played out in a cozy country house, owned by celebrated mystery writer Andrew Wyke. He invites Milo Tindle, a young rival who shares not only Wyke’s love of the game but also his wife, for a seemingly “congenial” visit. Revenge is devised and murders plotted as the two work together (or do they?) to plan the ultimate whodunit. But things are not always as they seem – right up to the thrilling conclusion. This play is a neat, clever little mystery for any amateur sleuth.

Wrapping up the season from August 28 – September 13 is the CRT production of the award winning musical MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux, which was inspired by an actual event. On December 4, 1956, an extraordinary twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins together at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions ever. That incredible night comes to life with an irresistible tale of broken promises, secrets, betrayal and celebrations that is both poignant and funny. This high energy musical features an incredible score of rock ‘n’ roll, gospel, R&B and country hits including Blue Suede Shoes, Great Balls of Fire, Walk the Line, Sixteen Tons, Who Do You Love?, Folsom Prison Blues, Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On, Hound Dog, and more.

For the annual children’s show, CRT presents THE HOUSE AT POOH CORNER, by A.A. Milne, adapted by Bettye Knapp. All those classic wonderful Milne characters – Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga and Roo, Owl, Rabbit, and of course Tigger – are included in this loving stage adaptation. Christopher Robin has called a “Mergency Meeting” because he is being sent to Education. Nobody knows exactly what or where that is, but he’d much rather run away with his friends…probably to the North Pole. But some unfortunate events arise – Eeyore has lost his house and according to his gloomy forecast, a blizzard is coming. Then there is the “problem of Tigger,” who is just too bouncy by far! As the situations become clearer, Christopher Robin isn’t quite so sure that running away is the answer. Performances will be held on July 13, 19 and 20.

Information on all CRT shows and events, as well as ticket prices and box office hours are available at www.cortlandrep.org. The new pricing structure is also available, with new discounts for seniors, students, veterans, educators and groups of 10 or more. Gift certificates are available for tickets, subscriptions, flex passes or a monetary value. Individual tickets for all of CRT’s summer shows will go on sale starting May 20, 2019. Call 800-427-6160 for more information.

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